A Clever Pie for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving pies are usually full of calories, not matter what. However, you can make them healthier while not sacrificing taste at all! Here are a few ideas collected from different sources:

- Try to use at least some whole wheat flour for the crust.
- Use organic fruits (and real pumpkin) instead of canned sugary versions. Limit the sugar you add. Fruit is sweet by nature. Add flavor boosts with cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and zests or rinds from citrus fruit instead.
- Because the crust requires a considerable amount of butter, try to limit the crust to one side. Don't use it for the bottom and top of the pie.
- Choose butter over shortening or lard - it's the least of the three evils. The healthiest option is oil but this can only be used if you are making a crumb crust (a regular crust will be dense and greasy if made with oil).
- Make your own whipped cream. Most commercially prepared versions have hydrogenated oils and high fructose corn syrup in them along with a medley of other ingredients that don't belong there. Homemade whipped cream will be higher in fat but it's more natural to make your own and a small amount of homemade is more satisfying than a large amount of fake stuff.
 
Sources include Yahoo, Self Magazine